Money Is
The Motive

Money is the motive in this
case, and I will prove it repeatedly by their own evidence. He could not
figure any safe way of getting the money. "The patient and his companion
[Leopold and Loeb] discussed this idea [of murder] quite frequently. Neither
of them, however, could think of any simple and certain way of securing
the money." All through this case is money, money, money--blood.

"Neither of them, however, could think of any
simple, certain way of securing the money." They continued to discuss
the matter, weighing pros and cons, suggesting methods only to pick flaws
in them. "In March, 1924, the patient conceived the idea of securing"--
What? Thrill? The excitement? No. "Conceived the idea of securing the money
by having it thrown off of a moving train...."

I used to think that the most impelling motive in
life was passion, but in this case passion and a desire for revenge is
swept aside for money. Money is the controlling motive in this case.